On June 26, 2016, Chile would be crowned two-time champion of America after winning the Copa Centenario in the United States. In the final and in penalty shootout, the ‘Everyone’s Team’ beat Argentina.
Four wins, one draw and one loss was the balance of the campaign for the Chilean team champion of the Copa America Centenarioa commemorative tournament that was played from June 3 to 26, 2016 in the United States.
The path of the team led at that time by Juan Antonio Pizzi It began with a loss at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In the debut for Group D, the ‘Roja’ bowed to Argentina 1-2, with a goal by José Pedro Fuenzalida for the ‘Team of All’.
Later, Chile achieved its first victory, although not without suffering. Leaving many doubts in its operation, the national team won in the epilogue and with a controversial 2-1 penalty against Bolivia in Boston, with a double by Arturo Vidal.
Closing the group phase, in Philadelphia, the ‘Red’ began to sign their recovery with a solid performance against Panama. The scoreboard ended in favor of the continental monarch 4-2, with two goals from Alexis Sánchez and Eduardo Vargas.
After finishing second in Group D, Mexico appeared on the horizon of the cast of ‘Macanudo’ in the quarterfinals. It was thought of a duel clenched teeth for having Chile lead the winner of Group C, but none of that happened. The Lone Star squad overwhelmed in a solid performance to the ‘Tri’ (7-0), with a ‘poker’ by Vargas, a brace by Edson Puch and a conquest by the ‘Wonder Boy’.
In the semifinals and with full confidence due to the brilliant performance against the Aztecs in Santa Clara, Chile went out to face a Colombia that had eliminated Peru on penalties. With a spectacular start, the ‘Red’ structured an early 2-0 and the score didn’t move anymore In Chicago. Charles Aránguiz and ‘Chapa’ Fuenzalida scored for the winner.
And the great day has arrived. As in the 2015 Copa América final, the national team faced each other in the definition against Gerardo Martino’s Argentina, a coach who arrived with two lost finals: the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the one five years ago in Santiago.
After a 0-0 in the regulation 90 and 30 supplementary in New Jersey, the winner would be elucidated from the 12 steps, just like what happened 365 days earlier on Chilean soil. In the moment of truth, Chile would once again be more effective by winning 4-2. Nicolás Castillo, Charles Aránguiz, Jean Beausejour and Francisco Silva scored for the champion, while Arturo Vidal missed his shot.
???? What better way to say good night than to remember this historic moment…
???? Enjoy and relive this penalty that was worth the Copa América Centenario title.
???? A dream that came true! ???????? pic.twitter.com/96xKLbMkzK
– Chilean National Team (@LaRoja) June 27, 2022
6 years ago in New Jersey ????????
Chile defeated Argentina in penalty kicks and won its second Copa América, the Centenario edition, the final goal was scored by Francisco Gato Silva???????? 0 (4) ???????? 0 (2)#FelizDomingo #CopaAmericaCentenariopic.twitter.com/zGMxYEM1wg
— Chilean Premier League (@AbranCancha8) June 26, 2022
In this way, Chile was crowned the best of the centenary tournament and became two-time champion of America.
Campaign of the ‘Roja’ champion of the Copa América Centenario:
Group D:
Chile 1-2 Argentina, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
Goals: Di María (51′), Banega (59′); Fuenzalida (90+3′).
Chile 2-1 Bolivia, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
Goals: Vidal (46′ and 90+9′, penalty); Fields (60′).
Chile 4-2 Panama, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
Goals: Vargas (14′ and 42′), Sánchez (49′ and 88′); Camargo (4′), Arroyo (74′).
Quarter finals:
Chile 7-0 Mexico, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
Goals: Puch (15′ and 87′), Vargas (43′, 52′, 57′ and 73′), Sánchez (48′).
Semifinal:
Chile 2-0 Colombia, Soldier Field, Chicago.
Goals: Aránguiz (6′), Fuenzalida (10′).
Final:
Chile 0-0 Argentina, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
Penalties: 4-2
Castillo, Aránguiz, Beausejour, Silva (Erró Vidal); Mascherano, Agüero (Messi and Biglia failed).
Goals for: 16.
Goals against: 5.